January 18th, 2023

Play a Memorable Round of Golf at the Mesmerizing Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge

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Established 62 years ago, Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge is a unique golf destination where you'll get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for at least a few days. There, you can enjoy a round of golf on the breathtaking course sweeping across 270 acres along the Butler Chain of Lakes. As the name suggests, the golf club is located in Bay Hill, Florida. The links feature 27 holes of tour championship golf, a challenging and enticing test for both amateurs and veterans, and were owned by Arnold Palmer from 1974 until his death.

Designed by Dick Wilson, the first 18 holes of the course illustrate his usual approach of slightly elevating the putting surfaces to improve visibility and drainage. The world-renowned Champion and Challenger nines make up the 18-hole golf course played by the game's best at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. To top this exquisite course, there is also The Charger, which is comprised of nine holes. It offers terrific views and friendly yet difficult play for golfers at every skill level. The Charger is a great choice for your regular golf rounds or a new destination when visiting Orlando.

The following are some tips for playing each hole of the Champion and Challenger golf course:

  • Hole 1 (par 4): A precise drive from the Palmer tees will leave you with almost 200 yards into a well-bunkered green that is only 22 yards deep.
  • Hole 2 (par 3): While from the tee, the second hole appears long and demanding, a smart shot should favor the right side of the green.
  • Hole 3 (par 4): The first step to securing a par is finding the fairway off the tee, and there's also a lake to the left of the fairway and thick rough to the right.
  • Hole 4 (par 5): This hole is reachable in two for the longest hitters, and you should avoid the bunker on the left side of the fairway if you decide to lay up.
  • Hole 5 (par 4): You shouldn't let the distance fool you that it will be an easy par, as the landing area for the tee shot is bunkered left and right.
  • Hole 6 (par 5): From the tee, you should aim towards the fairway bunkers, and with three aggressive swings, a birdie opportunity might await you.
  • Hole 7 (par 3): This green has numerous tiers and is sneaky from back to front, so to find the green, you'll need to avoid the bunkers short, left, and long.
  • Hole 8 (par 4): It demands a precise and long tee shot to avoid the dog leg's corner and the bunker through the left side of the fairway.
  • Hole 9 (par 4): Because reaching the green from the bunker makes a par on this difficult hole unlikely, your approach shot will have to be well-struck to avoid all the bunkers.
  • Hole 10 (par 4): A precise tee shot on this dog leg right is necessary to avoid the bunkers to the right, and the second shot plays uphill to a green.
  • Hole 11 (par 4): Since the green is well-guarded by water left and bunkers short and right, you'll need to avoid the water left and the bunkers right.
  • Hole 12 (par 5): Undoubtedly, only the longest drivers can carry the bunker on the fairway's right side, and if you choose to layup, avoid the bunkers right and left.
  • Hole 13 (par 4): This is the number one handicap hole, so be sure to find the fairway with your tee shot and hit the green in regulation from the fairway.
  • Hole 14 (par 3): To increase the chance of a par, a tee shot into the center of the green, avoiding the bunkers left and long, is necessary.
  • Hole 15 (par 4): Finding the fairway with your tee shot increases the probability of a par, as the green has large bunkers in front and a medium-sized bunker long.
  • Hole 16 (par 5): Your tee shot must avoid the trees and bunker to the right of the fairway, and a subpar score on this hole is possible with a very accurate approach shot.
  • Hole 17 (par 3): Because the putting surface has the beach bunker short of the green, a tee shot finding the green is well played and increases your chances for a par.
  • Hole 18 (par 4): Your tee shot should be played left of center, and from the left side of the fairway, you have options depending on the hole location.

The Champion and Challenger was the first golf course planted with Tifway Bermuda grass. Upon building it, wildlife was still inhabiting the land, such as a family of bobcats that resided around the now-famous 17th green. In 1979, Arnold Palmer successfully negotiated Bay Hill as the venue for a major event on the PGA TOUR. The Arnold Palmer Invitational, formerly known as the Bay Hill Invitational, now bears a special aura in professional golf.

If we've sparked your interest in playing this scenic golf course, we invite you to check out our best offers below!

Play Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill

Starting from $142 per golfer per night (Low Season)

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»Play Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill

Relish a Fine Meal at One of the Luxurious Restaurants of the Golf Club

Arnold Palmer's passion for good taste, quality food, and excellent service can be found in each of the club's dining rooms. What could be more delightful than enjoying a tasty meal after a rewarding golf round? The following are the restaurants of Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge, where you can have a fine dining experience together with your friends or family.

  • Grill & Classic Rooms: The skilled and talented chefs are pleased to serve you memorably delicious dishes in the gracious, casually elegant atmosphere of this restaurant.
  • Bay Window: It offers the most spectacular view in the club, overlooking the famed putting green, and the casual menu features a wide range of appetizers, salads, and fresh brick oven pizza.
  • Splash Casual Poolside Dining: If you're in the mood for lighter fare and alfresco ambiance, this restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining options.

Finally, it is worthy of note that the golf club also features a relaxing spa and fitness center, six beautiful tennis courts, and a superb marine where you can go on a private fishing excursion with Captain Paul, a second-generation licensed professional fishing guide. With its extraordinary golf courses and the amenities that will make your experience unforgettable, it's obvious why Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge should be on your bucket list as a golf player.